(1876) White Metal Token Rulau NY-Unlisted, H.W. Hoops
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
This white metal token () was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. This piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. Struck in white metal, the tin-lead alloy most commonly used for Centennial tokens because its low cost allowed merchants to order large production runs for broad distribution. The Lingg brothers ran the most productive die-sinking shop in Centennial-era Philadelphia, cutting custom advertising dies for merchants across multiple trades. The appeal of Centennial tokens lay in their dual function — merchants gained advertising that traveled with visitors back to their home cities, while visitors acquired an affordable, lasting souvenir. The Lingg establishment combined die-sinking craft with efficient production methods, enabling merchants to receive customized tokens in quantities ranging from hundreds to thousands of pieces.
Rarity Notes
in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.
Cross References
Rulau NY-Unlisted; PCGS #876130
External References
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